I’ve spent years (decades now) island-hopping across Hawai‘i, I know how fast a smooth itinerary can unravel.
Take this one: I left Atlanta on a Delta flight headed for Honolulu, already cutting it close. My checked bag? It made it to Maui ahead of me, routed on the correct connecting flight. I landed on time but had to hustle across the airport from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 to catch my Hawaiian Airlines flight to Kahului, right at the peak of the midday rush.
International departures, mainland arrivals, inter-island chaos—and of course, the kiosks were down.
I missed the flight. Got bumped to standby on the next one. Missed that too. Finally caught the third. By the time I landed on Maui, the only question running through my head was: Where’s my luggage?
Stressed out just reading that? Apple AirTags. They’re compact, easy to use, and they’ve saved me from situations just like this more than once. Whether I’m flying Hawaiian, jumping on a Mokulele flight to Moloka‘i, or taking the ferry to Lāna‘i, knowing where my gear is brings serious peace of mind.
AirTags are currently on sale, it’s a smart time to grab one—or better yet, the 4-pack, which costs less per tag and covers all your bases if you’re bouncing between islands with multiple bags.
Let me walk you through some of the ways I use them throughout Hawai‘i—and a few clever applications I’ve picked up from fellow travelers.
Why AirTags Are a Travel Essential
If you travel frequently, tossing an AirTag into your checked luggage is a small move that brings a lot of peace of mind. I’ve used them to locate my suitcase before it even hit the carousel and to track down a missing camera bag on a group tour.
They’re especially helpful when you’re dealing with shared transportation or large groups. I’ve used one to keep track of a shared gear bag during a multi-family trip, and it was the only reason we realized another family had accidentally taken it from the hotel lobby.
The Apple AirTag 4‑pack is currently priced at $64.99 on Amazon, which is 34% off the regular $99 list price. That brings each AirTag down to about $16.24, making it a much better deal than buying them individually at $24 each. The pack includes batteries and is ready to pair with any iPhone or iPad—perfect for tagging multiple items like luggage, backpacks, and keys, especially if you’re planning to move between islands.
Unexpected Ways I’ve Used Them
A Reddit thread opened my eyes to even more creative uses—some of which I’ve started incorporating myself. One person mentioned slipping an AirTag into a coat at Disneyland to avoid losing it in a crowd. Another used one on their dog’s collar during hikes. That got me thinking about how versatile these really are.
Here are some unexpected ways to use them:
- Stashing one inside a kid’s backpack on a theme park day. It’s discreet, and if you ever get separated, you can quickly track their location.
- Slipping one into a zipped pocket in a rental car when parking in a big city. Then walk back to the exact street, even after forgetting the address.
- Hiding one in a tech pouch so you can always track where your expensive gear is, especially when flying with multiple bags.
Which Pack Makes Sense?
If you’re new to AirTags, the single version is a good place to start—but once you realize how many uses they have, the 4-pack becomes the smarter option. Right now, the 4-pack is significantly cheaper per unit, and I ended up using all four within a week of buying them.
The Apple AirTag (single) is currently priced at $24.99 on Amazon, down from its regular price of $29. This makes it a solid choice if you just need one to track your keys, backpack, or a single checked bag. It comes with a battery included and pairs easily with your iPhone or iPad for real-time tracking. Great for travelers who want a lightweight solution without committing to a full 4-pack.
Android “AirTags”
If you don’t have an Apple device, don’t worry—there’s a great tracking option for Android users too. This Bluetooth tracker works seamlessly with Android’s Find My Device network, helping you locate your keys, bags, or luggage with just a tap. It features long battery life, strong Bluetooth range, and a compact, lightweight design that easily attaches to your everyday essentials. Plus, it supports item sharing, so multiple people can keep track of the same object—perfect for families or travel partners.
How Effective Are Apple AirTags In Areas With No Wifi or Cell Service?
AirTags can still be useful in remote areas, but their tracking ability is limited. They work through Apple’s Find My network, which depends on nearby Apple devices to update the tag’s location. In places with no Wi-Fi, cell service, or other Apple users—like some parts of Africa—AirTags won’t send real-time updates. You’ll only see their last known location until they come back into range of an Apple device with a connection. So, while AirTags are great for travel in cities or airports, they’re less effective for tracking items in truly remote or off-grid areas.
If you need coverage in remote regions, consider using a GPS tracker
Final Thoughts
Apple AirTags have saved me more stress than I can count, both on the road and at home. With the current sale, this is one of those small purchases that delivers real value, especially if you’re someone who hates losing things or wants a little extra travel peace of mind.
If you’re looking to simplify your travel routine or just want to be a bit more organized, I can honestly say these little trackers are worth it.
how effective are the Air Tags in areas without wifi and cell service, like parts of Affrica?
If you need coverage in remote regions, consider using a GPS tracker
Hey Shawn — AirTags can work in remote areas, but only to a point. They rely on nearby Apple devices to update their location, so in places without Wi-Fi, cell service, or other Apple users (like parts of Africa), they won’t show real-time updates. You’ll just see the last known location until they reconnect to the network. Great for cities and airports, but not ideal for truly off-grid spots.